Department Information

Program Details

Communication Studies: Concentration in Public Relations and Advertising [PRAD] (Major)

The communication studies concentration in public relations and advertising provides students for careers in public relations and advertising in both corporate settings and nonprofit organizations. Students are grounded in theory, method and application in the areas of public relations and advertising.

Career Potential

Public relations manager

Campaign manager

Advertising executive

Marketing director

Promotions manager

Communication Studies Core

COM 100 - Human Communication (3 cr. hr.)

COM 200 - Communication History (3 cr. hr.)

COM 203 - Introduction to Media Writing (3 cr. hr.)

COM 210 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3 cr. hr.)

COM 301 - Mass Media and Society (3 cr. hr.)

COM 302 - Intercultural Communication (3 cr. hr.) or

COM 303 - International Communication (3 cr. hr.)

COM 304 - Communication Research (3 cr. hr.)

COM 400 - Communication Law and Ethics (3 cr. hr.)

A. Required Courses

COM 421 - Mass Media Advertising (3 cr. hr.)

COM 422 - Public Relations (3 cr. hr.)

B. Choose at least one course from each group
Group A

COM 310 - Feature and Opinion Writing (3 cr. hr.)

COM 321 - Intermediate Writing for Public Relations (3 cr. hr.)

COM 323 - Intermediate News Writing and Reporting (3 cr. hr.)

Group B

COM 311 - Interviewing Principles and Practices (3 cr. hr.)

COM 312 - Media Performance (3 cr. hr.)

COM 324 - Communication Campaigns (3 cr. hr.)

Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation: 124
Example of the B.A. in Communication Studies over four years

The sample program listed is model for communication studies majors with or without a concentration. It does not reflect the expectations for all of the programs. Students should consult an advisor to obtain up-to-date program requirements and to formulate a degree plan.

First Year
Fall Total credit hours: 16-17

Foreign language 101

GE course

COM 100 - Human Communication (3 cr. hr.)

COM 210 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3 cr. hr.)

COR 101 - The Cortland Experience: A First Year Seminar (1 cr. hr.) and